Yuletide Aviary – Part 2

Read Part 1


            This night is not unlike most nights for the two birds. There are fewer birds and elves than usual and no other creatures. They discuss many topics, but they don’t always get along.

            “You think they have any of those little pretzel sticks here?” Jacob says.

            “Ask him.” Thomas says.

            “Hey Lutin? You got pretzel sticks, Eh?”

            “Nah. But I got those pickled eggs you like.”

            Jacob slices his wing by his neck signaling Lutin to stop talking. Thomas glares at Jacob.

            “You cannibal freak!”

            “Relax Tommy. They’re chicken eggs and they ain’t got no babies in there.”

            “That’s not the point. I knew you couldn’t be trusted. You’re just like all the other Jays stealing bird eggs. You’re sick, you know that? You’re a sick bird.”

            Lutin rests his elbow on the counter and his chin in his hand. He watches with excitement.

            “Don’t be a hoser. You know me. You know I ain’t a thief.”

            “Then why you eatin’ eggs!? And what the hell is a hoser?”

            “Look, I’m sohrry. I never ate the eggs in front of you ‘cause I know how you feel aboot it. But chickens lay eggs all the time not just when they have babies like we do. Just try one and see if you like it.”

            “Hell no! I ain’t no cannibal. I gotta use the john. You better have forgotten about them eggs when I get back.”

            The Hens are quiet as Thomas walks past. He sees his reflection in the mirror.

            “What are you lookin’ at!?” Thomas says.

            No one speaks while he’s gone. The commotion has subsided and Lutin returns his attention to the television looking bored. Thomas walks out and again sees his reflection.

            “Still starin’? You got something to say? Don’t mess with me, man. I’m from Southie!”

            Thomas struts back to his seat with his feathers ruffled.

            “That guy’s getting on my nerves.”

            “There’s no one there, Tommy. It’s a mirror, Eh.”

            “Don’t tell me what I saw. You weren’t there.”


Read Part 3.

Yuletide Aviary – Part 1

            Far North where no daylight ventures during Winter months is a small village. Blinking lights cover every home and shop. A thick layer of powdered snow wraps around everything as more snow sways in the gentle wind. Many a variety of creatures live in this small beacon of civilization surrounded by barren tundra. The town’s purpose is to bring Yule to the world. Gifts are made and prepared to be delivered to everyone.

            It’s not just elves and reindeer who aid in this plan. All creatures play a role bringing the holidays to life. Birds of many varieties and origins comprise the majority of helpful creatures. Many of them perform most of the deliveries. There are a few with less demanding roles who spend a relaxing evening with friends and colleagues.

            Two such birds meet at the one shop in the small village that serves adult beverages. The soft hum of the jukebox plays carols. A trio of French Hens discuss their vacation plans. On barstools now facing each other sit Jacob and Thomas.

            Thomas is a Northern Cardinal. He eats from a bowl of seeds and sips his rum eggnog. He sprinkles nutmeg on his drink between sips. Jacob is a Blue Jay and a little taller than Thomas. He sips on a bottle of Naughty Nick’s Ginger Beer. The two birds sit with a seat between them.

            The bartender is an elf with a beard longer than his body. He stares at a television without interest waiting for anyone else to enter the shop on this slow night. The three Hens cackle at their table. Thomas turns towards them looking annoyed.

            “Don’t pay them no mind, Tommy. Leave ‘em be, Eh.” Jacob says.

            “Ain’t nobody else here. Why they gotta be so damn loud?”

            “They’re having a good time. You catch the game yesterday?”

            “Yeah.”

            “Which team you root for?”

            “Boston! Who else?”

            “But they played the Cardinals?”
            I didn’t grow up in St. Louis and the Cardinals suck. Who gave them permission to use me as their mascot anyway?”

            “My hometown team are the Blue Jays, and I don’t mind being their mascot, Eh.”

            “Yeah, whatever.”


Read Part 2

Hellpets – Part 9

Read Part 8


            “Don’t do that again. That was very bad. Bad Duke. Bad dog.” Charles said.

            “I’ve failed my mission.” Hinn said.

            “It’s not that bad.” I said.

            “I don’t deserve the air I breathe.”

            “Now you’re being over dramatic.”

            “They’ll send me back to the pit. I’ll be punished. Oh no! They’ll put me in…The Box. Not The Box!”

            “What’s the box?”

            “I should do the honorable thing and take my life.”

            “Slow down there pup. I think Hell would prefer bad dogs.”

            “I can’t do it. Will you? Just kill me. I have nothing left to live for.”

            “I mean, yeah, I guess. But it feels unnecessary. And probably messy.”

            “It must be done before the other Hellhounds find out.”

            “Everything’s gonna be fine. Relax. Drink some water.”

            “You don’t understand. I can’t go in The Box. I won’t. I’d rather burn in Hell than go in The Box.”

            “Well you’re made of Hellfire, so I don’t see –”

            “Ah! Who is that!? Don’t let it take me!”

            “That’s Ligur, my manager. He’s not here for you. Go sob over there so we can talk.”

            “What’s his problem?” Ligur said.

            “I’m…a…bad…dog! Ahahaha!”

            “Ignore him. He’s being a baby.”

            “Okay. Well all parties involved are pleased with this experiment so far.”

            “I’m not pleased.”

            “Is something wrong?”

            “Yeah, the Hellhound’s an idiot.”

            “Most of them are. Anything else?”

            “Why can’t you get someone else to do this?”

            “You have seniority. You’re the most qualified.”

            “Dammit. Hey, you ever meet a Hellhound named Amy?”

            “Ewe. He always smells. We’ve met. Why?”

            “He’s this idiot’s manager. I don’t like him.”

            “Neither do I.”

            “He’s too bossy. Is that normal for Hellhounds?”

            “It is for Amy. Though Hellhounds do have a more militant mindset to their ranks.”

            “How much longer do I have to do this?”

            “We agreed to give him the same training we give to all our new Hellcats.”

            “Then should he be running missions already?”

            “What do you mean?”

            “He went to collect a soul yesterday.”

            “That’s not right. He just left? Did he smell a dead body or something?”

            “No. Amy ordered him to go. He said it was Hinn’s first assignment.”

            “They were supposed to wait until his training was finished. I’ll have a word with Amy and his superiors. I should inform the elder Hellcats too. Let me know if they send him out again. And try to convince him not to go if possible.”

            “Should he know about this?”

            “The sobbing pup? I wouldn’t say anything yet. He’s probably being used but we don’t know for sure. For now, do your best with his training.”

            “Fine. But I’m gonna complain the whole time.”

            Ligue smiled before poofing away.

            “Did your friend leave?” Hinn said.

            “He’s not my friend, he’s my manager. Are you friends with your manager?”

            “Well, no, but no one likes Amy much.”

            “Yeah I figured that out.”

            “What should we do now?”

            “Weren’t you upset?”

            “Upset about what?”

            “Bad dog?”

            “Where!? I’ll fight him. Show me the bad dog.”

            “I lose braincells every time you speak.”

END


Thank you for joining me on my first attempt with serializing stories. Please tell me what you think in the comments. The Hellpets will return…or will they?